Explore every episode of the podcast The Pillar Podcast

The Pillar team goes live shortly after the announcement of Pope Leo XIV.

The Pillar team will go live on Substack soon after the papal election. Don’t miss it!

JD and Ed talk about the Mass for the Election of a Pontiff, which took place right before the conclave. They talk about the shifting papacy and what they think could characterize the next conclave.

Then, they both give their head check, heart check and gut check on who will emerge as pope.

This episode is sponsored by the MBA program at the University of Mary.

Gain the confidence of an executive, the insight of a specialist, and the integrity to be a champion for the common good.

Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Apply today at pillar.umary.edu

Ed is joined by The Pillar’s Rome Correspondent Edgar Beltrán to give the lay of the land, with 24 hours until the start of the conclave.

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Havi…

JD is joined by The Pillar’s Senior Correspondent Luke Coppen to talk about Luke’s experience covering the past two conclaves as a journalist, and the fluctuating situation before the conclave begins on Wednesday.

Then, they share their personal cardinal picks.

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Ed fills JD in on the leading candidates ahead of next week’s conclave— including Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Then, they discuss questions surrounding the candidacy of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.

This episode is sponsored by the Friends of Fr. Eric Seitz, a private association of the Christian faithful dedicated to establishing and maintaining friendship with the Vice Chancellor, Secretary to the Bishop and Master of Ceremonies, and CUA Canon Law Student for the Diocese of Fargo, ND.

JD and Ed are joined by Rome Correspondent Edgar Beltrán to share what they have heard cardinals are looking for in the next pope.

Then, they reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis.

This episode is sponsored by the family of Dominic, a toddler with a rare genetic disease called pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).

Please pray for Dominic, through the intercession of Venerable Rose Hawthorne.

And support the Loving Loic Foundation today, by visiting lovingloic.org

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Image credit: Vatican Media.

JD and Ed talk about backlash against the decision to hold the first general congregation of the College of Cardinals so soon after the death of Pope Francis. They also talk about Francis’ last will and testament.

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Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

JD and Ed react to the news and give some initial reflections on the pope’s legacy.

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JD and Ed will record several bonus episodes of The Pillar Podcast as they travel to Rome to cover the funeral of Pope Francis and a conclave. These bonus episodes are available only to our paid subscribers.

If you are a paying subscriber and you want to access these bonus episodes, here is what you need to do.

For Apple Podcasts— or any podcast app that is not Spotify

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If you are still unable to access these bonus episodes, please leave a comment below or send our producer an email at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com

Senior or freshman? Then, JD and Ed swap conspiracy theories

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JD wrestles with his approach to Triduum. Then, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill sues Grindr.

This episode is sponsored by the MBA program at the University of Mary.

Gain the confidence of an executive, the insight of a specialist, and the integrity to be a champion for the common good.

Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship. Not a paying subscriber, but love The Pillar? You are eligible for a $7,000 scholarship!

Apply today at pillar.umary.edu

Colorado’s bishops issue an open letter asking their governor to veto an a bill that would put taxpayer money toward elective abortions. JD asks if it is time for bishops to lose the script and start directly instructing and guiding Catholics.

This episode is sponsored by St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.

Join St. Bernard’s this summer in auditing one course— entirely free— thanks to the Knights of Columbus Finger Lakes Chapter.

Learn more by visiting stbernards.edu

Photo of Airedale Terrier. Credit Zuni1520 via Wikimedia (GNU)

JD’s son gets the Sunday scaries. Then, JD and Ed reflect on The Pillar’s new columns section.

Join JD and Ed in Rome this December for The Pillar Pilgrimage! Learn more at Verso Ministries

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JD and Ed talk about the status of the case against Fr. Marko Rupnik. Then, Ed plays a round of ‘Which superannuated See am I?'

This episode is sponsored by Christendom College Graduate School of Theology.

This summer, Christendom is offering both in-person and online intensive courses to take your academic and spiritual life to the next level.

Learn more at graduate.christendom.edu/summer/

JD and Ed debate the purpose and impact of holy days of obligation.

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This episode is sponsored by St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.

Audit a course this summer entirely free— thanks to the Knights of Columbus Finger Lakes Chapter.

Learn more at st.bernards.edu

JD shares a bit of paternal wisdom from his own dad. Ed guards his Saturday plans.

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JD and Ed talk about an unusual ruling in an appeal of a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by the Vatican's former auditor general, Libero Milone.

This episode is sponsored by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California. Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees, shrubs and houseplants, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

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Show notes:

Vatican court: Auditor cannot bring ‘immoral and indecent’ evidence at appeal

JD and Ed discuss Candlegate.

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JD and Ed consider ongoing chatter about a merger of the Diocese of Steubenville.

This episode is sponsored by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California. Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees, shrubs and houseplants, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

Ed’s stressed, Pope Francis is still in the hospital, and kids’ movies from the 80s still haunt JD and Ed.

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JD and Ed address a question that has resurfaced with Pope Francis’ hospitalization— what will happen if there are more than 120 cardinal electors in the next conclave?

Join JD and Ed in Rome this December! Learn more about The Pillar Pilgrimage here.

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This episode is sponsored by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California. Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees, shrubs and houseplants, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

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Piano: Wistful by Alexandra Tsikina (CC BY 3.0)

Ed gives JD the rundown on the National Catholic Breakfast.

Then, JD plays a game about bad breakfast foods around the world.

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JD and Ed continue to pray for Pope Francis. The federal government terminates its refugee resettlement contract with U.S. bishops.

Then, the Dicastery for Legislative Texts issues a guidance on publishing lists of “credibly accused” clergy.

This episode is sponsored by the Augustine Institute. Offering master’s degrees in Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Catholic Education, the Augustine Institute prepares students to serve Christ and His Church in schools, parishes, dioceses, and beyond.

To learn more, visit augustine.edu.

And if you’re interested in The Pillar Pilgrimage to Rome, check it out here!

JD and Ed want to see some Roman soccer. But can Ed hang?

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Today is Ed’s day. But first, the U.S. bishops’ conference sues the Trump administration.

This episode is sponsored by the Augustine Institute. Offering master’s degrees in Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Catholic Education, the Augustine Institute prepares students to serve Christ and His Church in schools, parishes, dioceses, and beyond.

To learn more, visit augustine.edu.

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Show notes:

UK court rules on Vatican’s London building lawsuit

Did Mincione ‘win’ his lawsuit against the Vatican?

What’s best practice for valentines exchanges?

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Join JD and Ed in praying for Pope Francis.

Then, JD and Ed talk about the latest trouble in the Archdiocese of Newark, where recently leaked documents have thrown into question the suitability of the president of Seton Hall University.

This episode is sponsored by the Augustine Institute. Offering master’s degrees in Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Catholic Education, the Augustine Institute prepares students to serve Christ and His Church in schools, parishes, dioceses, and beyond.

To learn more, visit augustine.edu.

JD and Ed debate the effectiveness and merit of Pope Francis’ letter this week to the American episcopate about the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

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JD and Ed give their takes on why some priests are disinterested in becoming bishops. Then, something strange is happening with the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Source and Summit, the next generation of liturgy and music publishing. Elevate the liturgies of Easter and Holy Week at your parish this year.

Get a demo— or sign up for a free 30-day trial— by visiting sourceandsummit.com.

JD and Ed play a round of ‘Bishop Karaoke.'

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JD and Ed talk about the situation of the retired cardinal archbishop of Lima— and discuss how they might approach the situation if they were bishops.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Learn more at pillar.umary.edu

JD has a bone to pick. Then, Ed details the complicated story that hijacked his Friday night.

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As the Filipino bishops’ conference prepares to vote on instituting the permanent diaconate, JD and Ed talk about what the deaconate is and why we have deacons.

Ed plays a round of ‘Name that deacon!’

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Learn more at pillar.umary.edu

What did you think about Ed’s tips for dating?

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JD and Ed talk about the situation of the Institute of the Incarnate Word and how the Institute may have shaped Pope Francis’ perspective on new religious movements.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Learn more at pillar.umary.edu

JD shares some Flynn family lore.

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JD asks a favor. He and Ed talk about Cardinal Robert McElroy’s appointment this week to the Archdiocese of Washington.

Then, they rank state flags.

Wikimedia Map of the State Flags

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Learn more at pillar.umary.edu

JD and Ed are live from the Leonine Forum’s annual conference in Orlando to talk about the role of institutions in our lives.

Then, the Leonine Forum’s Director of Operations Emma Boyle plays a round of Pittsburgh ‘Greater or Lesser’ and 'True or False.'

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Learn more at pillar.umary.edu

JD and Ed share the persons or stories they think will dominate the 2025 news cycle.

JD’s picks

* Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk

* Diocesan bankruptcy

* American cardinalatial sees

Ed’s picks

* The Church in Syria

* Cardinal Domenico Battaglia

* Euthanasia

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California.

Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees and shrubs, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

Tell them JD and Ed sent you for 30% off!

Ed and JD map out their dream orchards.

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JD and Ed talk about effective parish evangelization. Then, Nancy Pelosi made a recourse to the Apostolic See and JD and Ed have a few questions.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California.

Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees and shrubs, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

Tell them JD and Ed sent you for 30% off!

Ed has questions. Then, JD and Ed talk about the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ confusing approach to a day of precept.

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JD and Ed talk about a new policy in the Diocese of Salt Lake City regulating sacraments of initiation for children baptized at or after the age of 7. Ed explains to JD the situation of the Australian Catholic University.

JD plays a round of “People I should trust” Greater or Lesser.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California.

Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees and shrubs, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

Tell them JD and Ed sent you for 30% off!

Pillar reader Mel Gibson has made a boatload of films. JD and Ed each rank the best five and worst five of those films.

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Please pray for the repose of the soul of Pillar reader (in a good way) Fr. Dennis Conway.

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Ed expands on his suggestion the Apostolic See hire a chief financial officer. He and JD debate the tenability of a papal tax on U.S. Catholics.

Then, JD talks about a big change at the USCCB.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Secular Institute of the Priests of the Heart of Jesus.

We are diocesan priests seeking to support one another in ministry through the profession of the evangelical counsels and ongoing priestly fraternity.

Learn more at www.uspcj.org

Someone please invite us to polo. 

JD and Ed debate the merits of revised papal funeral rites. They also react to sweeping changes to the Vatican’s pension fund.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Secular Institute of the Priests of the Heart of Jesus. 

We are diocesan priests seeking to support one another in ministry through the profession of the evangelical counsels and ongoing priestly fraternity. 

Learn more at www.uspcj.org

Ed and JD host a fight song contest for the sponsor of this week’s episode of The Pillar Podcast, the University of Mary.

The University of Mary’s online MBA program is now offering a scholarship for Pillar readers. Learn more at Pillar.umary.edu

JD and Ed break down the U.S. bishops’ fall plenary assembly in this live taping of The Pillar Podcast— including Ed’s interview with Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the bishops’ interest in artificial intelligence, and Bishop Daniel Flores’ speech about synodality. 

Then, the audience joins in for a few rounds of ‘CLP or GPT’, ‘Episcopal motto— True or False?’ and Washington, D.C. ‘Yes or No?’

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary’s online MBA program and its new scholarship for Pillar readers.

Learn more at Pillar.umary.edu

Ed hijacks JD’s midlife crisis plan. 

Please come to our live show at the Royal Sands Social Club in Washington D.C. on Thursday, November 14th. We’ll start at 7 and go late. See you there! 

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